Newsroom

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Ushers in New Year with Nutrition Initiative

Mount Kisco, NY – (January 23, 2008) – Health experts across the country are increasingly concerned about a growing trend among American children – overweight and obesity. Nearly one out of every five children or teens weighs too much, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Furthermore, the NCHS states that children from low-income families and those with an African-American or Hispanic background (groups served by the Club) are at an increased risk for excess weight. Concerned about the health of its members, the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester has launched a new health and wellness initiative to help members learn about and adopt nutritious eating habits and a healthier lifestyle.

Members were offered a sneak preview in the fall of 2007 when 14 sixth grade girls and boys participated in a 10-week pilot "Healthy Lifestyles" program, led by area nutrition consultant Phyllis Shustak. Shustak, a graduate of the Institute of Integrated Nutrition, served healthy snacks like hummus and vegetables, introduced club members to previously unfamiliar foods like the grain quinoa and chips made from beans, and surprised participants with facts about sugars and fast food in their diet. With Shustak's encouragement, the Club also removed soda from vending machines and added healthy snack alternatives in place of traditional vending machine choices.

"I applaud the Club for moving in a healthier direction to secure the health of our children," says Shustak. "The Club is a pioneer in the effort to help kids make healthier food and lifestyle choices."

Isaiah Figueroa, an 11-year-old 6th grade student at Fox Lane Middle School, made major changes in the way he eats. "I make a healthy food schedule for school so that I can plan what to eat, for example, a turkey sandwich made on whole wheat bread, plus a banana or apple," says Figueroa. "Before taking the class at the Boys and Girls Club, I might have eaten something less nutritious, like pizza and cookies."

"Isaiah's new focus on health has changed the way our family eats – no more high sugar foods, lots of dishes made with ground turkey, more fruit, and water rather than juice," explains his mother, Sandra. "I took a class also and learned a lot about feeding my family in a healthier way."

The Boys & Girls Clubs has exciting plans in place for the New Year. Ongoing nutrition and lifestyle education will continue for students at all grade levels. A new "green" teaching kitchen will not only feed children, but also will provide a venue for nutrition education, vocational training, and education on protecting the environment. Additional resources are being secured to support the involvement of local chefs and the bulk purchase of nutritious foods.

"This new initiative is an essential preventive measure that will help improve the health and well-being of our children and their families," says Brian Skanes, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester. "By supporting our children with a healthier lifestyle, we are making an invaluable investment in the future of our community."

The Club will also be hosting an onsite nutrition educational event on Sunday, March 9 from 11:00 – 3:00 p.m. in partnership with the Junior League of Northern Westchester and Northern Westchester Hospital.

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester is located at 351 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, NY and can be reached at (914) 666-8069 or visit www.bgcnw.com.

back to Newsroom

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
351 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, New York 10549 (914) 666-8069